Cashier Station Vertical Air Curtain Attachment

ABSTRACT

Provided is a cashier station attachment for creating a vertical air curtain between a retailer and a customer. The device includes a substantially planar body with an internal chamber and an open side with a diffuser, an attachment means for attaching the device to a cashier station, and a means for forcing air into the internal chamber and out of the diffuser. The forced air from the chamber creates an air curtain, which is an invisible barrier between a retailer and a customer. The air curtain prevents the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelled from the mouth or nose of a person on one side of the air curtain from contacting a person on the other side. The device can be retrofitted onto any preexisting cashier station and can be readily removed as desired.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/049,167 filed on Jul. 8, 2020, entitled, “Food Prep Bar Transparent Barrier System With Air Curtain”. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cashier station. More particularly, it pertains to a cashier station attachment for creating a vertical air curtain between a retailer and a customer to prevent the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelled from the mouth or nose of a person on one side of the air curtain from contacting a person on the other side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses were forced to change their customer service policies. For example, stores began implementing procedures to enforce “social distancing” policies by placing markers on the floor indicating where to stand, directional arrows to indicate the flow of traffic through the store, and the recommendation for wearing a face covering as directed by local and state health departments.

As can be appreciated, the above-mentioned policies were relatively easy to implement in a store, as the only changes required included the placement of signage and the behavior of the customers. One area that has proven to be more challenging to protect is customers and employees at a cashier station. The constant stream of customers make cashier stations particularly susceptible to the airborne hazards of pathogen transmission. One means for enhancing protection and preventing the spread of illness at a cashiers station is with the installation of plexiglass shields that are positioned between the retailer and the customer. Such shields are intended to create a barrier that protects customers and cashiers from human-to-human transmission of pathogens.

A conventional cashier station found in most stores, however, is not designed for use with a plexiglas shield. As such, the installation of such shields requires an establishment to retrofit the shields in place, which often requires the use of fasteners, duct tape, or unsightly and unreliable stands to support the shield. Many of these modifications appear unprofessional, do not meet code requirements for permanent installation, and are prone to falling over and potentially injuring customers and/or employees.

In addition, while many customers appreciate the enhanced safety afforded by plexiglas shields, these shields can also cause individuals to feel isolated. As an example, when a customer needs to exchange something with a cashier, such as money or items to scan, the customer has to maneuver around the shield in order to reach the cashier to make the exchange. This can make both customers and employees self-conscious and uncomfortable, as it may cause one to feel as if they are invading the personal space of another and possibly infecting them. Additionally, by maneuvering around the shield, the barrier between customers and cashiers is no longer functional to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

The mandated changes as instituted by local and state health departments have had a drastic impact on the way customers interact with employees at a store, particularly at the cash register. Companies desire to protect customers and employees while making the added safety measures as unobtrusive as possible. As evidenced above, it is clear that enhanced safety measures are required for protecting customers and employees at a cashier station. Therefore, a need exists for preventing the spread of illness when shopping at a store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the current problems that exist with cashier stations by providing an attachment that creates an air curtain between a first person and a second person, such as a retailer and a customer. The device includes a substantially planar body comprising an internal chamber and an open side comprising a diffuser, an attachment means for attaching the device to a cashier station, and a means for forcing air into the internal chamber and out the diffuser, which thereby creates an air curtain. The chamber includes a diffuser, which allows the air to be forced out of the chamber in order to create an air curtain. The air curtain creates an invisible barrier between the retailer and the customer. The air curtain prevents the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and the like while permitting the exchange of items, such as money or goods to be scanned prior to purchase. The device can be retrofitted onto any preexisting cashier station and can be readily removed as desired.

The present invention substantially diverges from the devices that are known and disclosed in the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing cashier stations. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of cashier station shields now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a cashier station attachment that creates a barrier between a customer and a retailer, wherein the same can be utilized for preventing the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and the like from a person on one side of the air curtain from contacting a person on the other side.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cashier station shield that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cashier station shield for use with existing cashier stations that are known and used in the art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cashier station shield that creates an air curtain between a customer and a retailer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cashier station shield that permits the exchange of items between a retailer and a customer without walking around a plexiglass shield.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cashier station shield that can be installed without requiring the use of fasteners, duct tape, or other unsightly fastening systems.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a cashier station shield that can be retrofitted on any preexisting cashier station and can be readily removed as desired.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the cashier station shield.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the air intake of the internal chamber.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cashier station shield creating an air shield.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cashier station shield attachment means.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cashier station shield attachment means.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the cashier station shield installed on a cashier station and creating an air curtain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the cashier station shield. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used as a cashier station attachment for creating an air curtain between a customer and a retailer. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Definition

An “air curtain” is an invisible and continuously blown curtain of air that creates a barrier or shield. The air curtain diverts airborne hazards, including insects, contaminants, particles, pathogens, and respiratory droplets away from a location. Air curtains are recommended by the FDA as an effective means of protection from airborne hazards, as enumerated in Food Code 6-202.15(D)(2). As described herein, air shields prevent insects, contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelled from the mouth or nose of a person from being spread from one person to another.

The terms “cashier”, “retailer”, “customer”, “individual”, and “person” are used interchangeably throughout this description to denote that the air curtain created by the present invention is design to prevent the transmission of insects, contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelled from the mouth or nose of a person from being spread from a person on one side of the air curtain to a person on the other side of the air curtain. The terms should not be considered limiting in any way.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the cashier station shield 11. The device includes a substantially planar body 12 comprising an internal chamber 13, an open side comprising a diffuser 14, an attachment means for attaching the device to a cashier station, preferably a pair of hooks 15 (which will be shown in greater detail below), and a power source. Disposed within the internal chamber 13 is a means for forcing air into the internal chamber 13 and out the diffuser 14, which creates an air curtain. The diffuser 14 can additionally include adjustable louvres 17 that change the airflow angle. In the preferred embodiment, the means for forcing air into the internal chamber 13 comprises a fan. The air curtain creates an invisible barrier between a first person and a second person, such as a retailer or cashier and a customer. The device prevents the spread of contaminants, pathogens, and the like that are expelled from the mouth or nose of a person on one side of the air curtain from contacting a person on the other side.

The substantially planar body 12 is configured to enable the cashier station shield 11 to rest flush against a cashier station. As shown, the planar body 12 is substantially trapezoidal in shape, however, any desired shape can be utilized. The top of the planar body 12 includes the diffuser 14, which directs air from inside the internal chamber 13, through the planar body 12, when it is expelled. The internal chamber 13 extends from the planar body 12 and provides a means for drawing air into the device and expelling it through the diffuser 14. The internal chamber 13 preferably includes an indicia cover 16 thereon. Preferably, the indicia cover 16 includes advertising indicia, such as a variety of messages, advertisements, and the like. The indicia cover 16 can be permanent or can include a removable cover that can be installed and removed as desired.

In all embodiments of the present invention, the indicia cover 16 can be designed with customized indicia to display logos, trademarks, slogans, advertising sales, specials, or other important information that a company wishes to convey to customers. Non-limiting examples include advertisements for particular types of sales during the year, sanitation guidelines, and the like. When designed to be replaceable, the indicia cover 16 can be quickly removed and replaced with updated indicia as desired.

Air is directed into the cashier station shield 11 to create an air curtain via a means for forcing air into the internal chamber 13. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished with a fan disposed within the internal chamber 13. The fan is a conventional fan that is well understood in the art and is adapted for drawing air into the internal chamber 13. In a first embodiment, the fan can be operated by an on-off switch. In a second embodiment, the fan can run on a preprogrammed timer. In a third embodiment, the fan can include a motion sensor system that activates the fan when motion is detected, such as when a customer comes within a predefined distance of the cashier station. In a fourth embodiment, the fan can operate via a remote control. In a fifth embodiment, the fan can operate via a computer or smartphone application.

The fan can additionally include a means of filtering or purifying the air prior to its entering the internal chamber 13. In one embodiment, the fan includes one or more of an air scrubber filtration system, such as a HEPA filter or an ultraviolet sterilizer. Any known means for filtering and/or purifying the air can be utilized with the fan.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the air intake 21 of the internal chamber 13. Air is drawn into the internal chamber 13 of the cashier station shield 11 through the air intake 21 via the fan. The fan preferably functions in a similar manner to a computer fan, wherein rotation of the fan causes air to enter into the internal chamber 13 through the air intake 21. The air passes through a filter or purifier as describe above prior to exiting through the diffuser 14, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. The air intake 21 preferably contains grates 22 to prevent large objects from entering into the internal chamber 13 and damaging the components therein. Also contained within the internal chamber 13 are the necessary components to operate the fan, such as circuit boards, power source components, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the cashier station shield 11 creating an air curtain. The arrows represent air 31 forming an air curtain upon exit from the diffuser 14. Air 31 is directed into the internal chamber 13 through the air intake 21 via the fan, travels into the substantially planar body 12, and flows out of the cashier station shield 11 through the diffuser 14. The air 31 is compressed as it travels from the internal chamber 13 into the substantially planar body 12. Compression occurs because the substantially planar body 12 has a reduced volume as compared to the internal chamber 13. The substantially planar body 12 comprises an empty chamber with a width substantially less than its height and length. The diffuser 14 is positioned along the entire length of the planar body 12. The length of the planar body 12 and diffuser 14 can be constructed in any desired size in order to create an air curtain of a desired size. Sizes ranging from 24-48 inches in length are contemplated, however, any desired size can be used depending on the particular application.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is shown a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cashier station shield attachment means 41. In a first embodiment, the cashier station shield 11 comprises one or more hooks 42 attached to the back side of the substantially planar body 12. In a non-limiting example, the hooks comprise J-hooks 42 attached to the back side of the substantially planar body 12. The hooks 42 are designed to secure the cashier station shield 11 to the side of a cashier station. In one embodiment, the hooks 42 are attached via one or more fasteners 43. As shown, the cashier station shield 11 includes two J-hooks 42 spaced along the back side of the substantially planar body 12 in order to support the cashier station shield 11 when it is attached to a cashier station. The design of the J-hooks 42 enable the cashier station shield 11 to be quickly attached and detached from the cashier station shield 11 as desired. It is contemplated that the exact size, shape, and configuration of the J-hooks 42 can be altered as required to attach the device to cashier stations of differing configurations. In one embodiment, the J-hooks 42 can be removed and replaced with a different fastening means to suit particular needs.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, there is shown a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cashier station shield attachment means 44. In a second embodiment, the cashier station shield 11 comprises one or more hooks 44 attached to the back side of the substantially planar body 12. In a non-limiting example, the hooks comprise C-hooks 45 attached to the back side of the substantially planar body 12. The hooks 45 are designed to secure the cashier station shield 11 to the side of a cashier station. In one embodiment, the hooks 45 are attached via one or more fasteners 46. As shown, the cashier station shield 11 includes two C-hooks 45 spaced along the back side of the substantially planar body 12 in order to support the cashier station shield 11 when it is attached to a cashier station. The design of the C-hooks 45 enable the cashier station shield 11 to be quickly attached and detached from the cashier station shield 11 as desired. It is contemplated that the exact size, shape, and configuration of the C-hooks 45 can be altered as required to attach the device to cashier stations of differing configurations. In one embodiment, the C-hooks 45 can be removed and replaced with a different fastening means to suit particular needs.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of the cashier station shield 11 installed on a cashier station 51 and creating an air curtain. As shown, the cashier station shield 11 is attached to a track 52 on the side of the conveyor belt 53 via a pair of hooks 54. The arrows represent air 31 forming an air curtain upon exit from the diffuser 14. Air 31 is directed into the internal chamber 13 through the air intake 21 via the fan and is filtered or purified. The cleaned air 31 is compressed as it travels from the internal chamber 13 into the substantially planar body 12. Air 31 then travels from the internal chamber 13 into the substantially planar body 12 and flows out of the cashier station shield 11 through the diffuser 14. The cashier station shield 11 is preferably positioned between the location where a retailer or cashier stands to operate a cashier machine and where the customer stands when making purchases. The orientation of the diffuser 14 causes the air 31 to travel vertically when expelled therefrom.

As can be appreciated, the vertical flowing of the air 31 creates an invisible and continuously blown curtain of air that forms a barrier or shield. The air curtain diverts airborne hazards, including insects, contaminants, particles, pathogens, and respiratory droplets that would ordinarily be expelled from the mouth or nose of a retailer or customer at a cashier station. Any airborne hazards expelled, such as a sneeze or cough that travel towards the direction of the air curtain will be trapped in the flowing air, prevented from passing through, and blown up and away from the cashier station. In addition, the cashier station shield 11 permits the exchange of items through the air curtain. As an example, a customer can pass items to a cashier, such as discount cards, coupons, or cash. Conversely, a casher can hand items to the customer, such as purchased items or a sales receipt.

The cashier station shield 11 can be quickly installed by using the pair of hooks 54 to hang the device on the track 52 adjacent to the conveyor belt 53. The cashier station shield 11 can operate via battery or an electrical plug that connects to a standard power outlet. The device further provides multiple means for operating the cashier station shield 11. Non-limiting examples include operation via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor, a remote control, or via a computer or smartphone application.

Overall, the present invention provides a new and improved device for creating an air curtain between a customer and a retailer at a cashier station. The device creates an air curtain to prevent the exchange of contaminants, pathogens, and respiratory droplets produced by the customer or retailer from being passed from one person to another. Additionally, the device permits the exchange of goods between customers and retailers without the need for maneuvering around a plexiglass barrier. The device can be retrofitted for use with existing cashier stations, and can be quickly installed and removed as required. This in turn provides a cost effective and simple solution to increase safety for customers and employees.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A cashier station attachment for creating a vertical air curtain between a first person and a second person at a cashier station, said attachment comprising: a substantially planar body comprising an internal chamber and an open side comprising a diffuser; an attachment means affixed to said substantially planar body for attaching said cashier station attachment to said cashier station; a means for forcing air into said internal chamber and out said diffuser, such that said air forms an air curtain between said first person and said second person when expelled through said diffuser; and a power source. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said means for forcing air into said chamber further comprises a fan. 3) The device of claim 2, wherein said fan comprises a means of filtering or purifying air prior to entering said chamber. 4) The device of claim 3, wherein said means of filtering air comprises a HEPA filter. 5) The device of claim 3, wherein said means of purifying air comprises an ultraviolet sterilizer. 6) The device of claim 2, wherein said fan operates via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application. 7) The device of claim 6, wherein said fan operates via a motion sensor system, wherein said motion sensor system activates the fan when a customer comes within a predefined distance of said cashier station. 8) The device of claim 1, wherein said cashier station attachment further comprises one or more advertising indicia display. 9) The device of claim 1, wherein said diffuser is positioned along the entire length of said planar body. 10) The device of claim 1, wherein said cashier station attachment is attached to a track adjacent to a cashier station conveyor belt using a pair of J-hooks or C-hooks. 11) A cashier station attachment for creating a vertical air curtain between a first person and a second person at a cashier station, said attachment comprising: a substantially planar body comprising an internal chamber and an open side comprising a diffuser with adjustable louvres; a pair of J-hooks or C-hooks affixed to said substantially planar body for attaching said cashier station attachment to a track adjacent to the cashier station conveyor belt; a fan for forcing air into said internal chamber and out said diffuser, such that said air forms an air curtain between said first person and said second person when expelled through said diffuser; one or more advertising indicia display affixed to said internal chamber; and a power source. 12) The device of claim 11, wherein said fan comprises a means of filtering or purifying air prior to entering said chamber. 13) The device of claim 12, wherein said means of filtering air comprises a HEPA filter. 14) The device of claim 12, wherein said means of purifying air comprises an ultraviolet sterilizer. 15) The device of claim 11, wherein said fan operates via an on-off switch, a preprogrammed timer, a motion sensor system, a remote control, a computer or smartphone application. 16) The device of claim 11, wherein said fan operates via a motion sensor system, wherein said motion sensor system activates the fan when a customer comes within a predefined distance of said cashier station. 17) The device of claim 11, wherein said diffuser is positioned along the entire length of said planar body. 